The BMW C 400 GT is a premium scooter that takes its place in the urban mobility market with a perfect blend of style, performance, and comfort. Aimed at urban commuters and city dwellers who crave a high-performance two-wheeled machine with luxury appeal, the C 400 GT stands as a benchmark in the maxi-scooter segment. It promises to take riders through the bustling streets of cities with ease while ensuring that they experience the joy of riding on highways as well.
Design and Aesthetics
At first glance, the BMW C 400 GT boasts a sharp and modern design that aligns with the premium ethos of the BMW brand. Its styling is sophisticated, with a sporty yet elegant appearance that fits well within the BMW Motorrad lineup. The overall aesthetic is sleek, featuring clean lines and an imposing front end highlighted by the dual LED headlights that give the scooter a distinctive and recognizable face.
The C 400 GT comes with a comfortable and functional design that includes a slightly reclined seat, creating a more relaxed riding position compared to sportier counterparts. The ergonomics have been meticulously designed to provide comfort for both short commutes and longer journeys, making it ideal for both city and touring use.
The scooter’s fairing is designed to provide excellent wind protection, which is essential for longer trips and highway riding. This aerodynamic shape not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to overall performance by reducing drag and improving stability at higher speeds.
Performance and Engine
The heart of the BMW C 400 GT lies in its 350cc single-cylinder engine, which produces around 34 horsepower. This engine delivers a perfect blend of power for city commutes while still being capable of handling highway speeds with ease. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), allowing smooth power delivery and effortless acceleration. The C 400 GT’s performance is nimble enough for city traffic yet strong enough for longer trips on the open road.
The engine uses advanced technology such as electronic fuel injection and a liquid-cooled system, contributing to the scooter’s smooth and efficient operation. It also adheres to stringent Euro 5 emission standards, ensuring that it is environmentally friendly while still offering strong performance.
The power output of the C 400 GT makes it an ideal companion for urban environments, offering ample acceleration from traffic lights and quick overtaking capabilities when needed. Its balanced power-to-weight ratio makes it a great performer in tight traffic, where quick handling and maneuverability are key. Furthermore, the 15-liter fuel tank provides an impressive range, ensuring that you can cover long distances without constantly needing to refuel.
Handling and Comfort
The BMW C 400 GT is built for a balance between comfort and agility. Its chassis and suspension have been designed to handle both urban and rural roads with ease. The scooter features a telescopic fork at the front and a double-sided swingarm at the rear, ensuring smooth handling and stability.
One of the standout features of the C 400 GT is its ability to absorb bumps and irregularities in the road. The suspension is tuned to offer a soft yet controlled ride, making it perfect for the demands of city streets where potholes and uneven surfaces are common. In addition, the scooter’s low seat height makes it accessible for riders of various heights, and the seat itself is generously padded for comfort on longer rides.
The stability of the BMW C 400 GT is further enhanced by its large 15-inch wheels, providing more control, especially when navigating around corners or at high speeds on highways. This allows the rider to feel confident in all conditions, making the C 400 GT a reliable choice for both short and long journeys.
Technology and Features
The BMW C 400 GT is packed with modern technology, making it not only a joy to ride but also a convenience-packed urban tool. The scooter comes with a full-color TFT display, providing the rider with all the necessary information, such as speed, fuel level, trip data, and more. The interface is easy to read and intuitive, with an option to connect the scooter to your smartphone via the BMW Motorrad Connected app, allowing you to track navigation, ride stats, and other data directly on the screen.
The scooter also comes with advanced rider assistance systems, including Automatic Stability Control (ASC), which helps prevent the wheels from slipping under acceleration, ensuring the rider maintains maximum control. This feature is especially useful in wet conditions or on loose surfaces. For even more convenience, the C 400 GT includes a keyless ride system, allowing the rider to unlock and start the scooter without removing the key from their pocket or bag.
Additionally, the BMW C 400 GT features an electronic throttle, which offers precise throttle control and smooth power delivery. The system improves both the ease of riding and fuel efficiency, as it allows for more accurate management of power output.
Safety Features
Safety is a key priority for BMW, and the C 400 GT is no exception. The scooter is equipped with a sophisticated braking system featuring dual disc brakes at the front and a single disc brake at the rear. The scooter is also fitted with the BMW Motorrad ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), which ensures that the rider can apply maximum braking force without the risk of the wheels locking up. This feature provides peace of mind, especially when riding in emergency situations or during heavy rain.
The scooter’s front and rear suspension is designed to maintain a stable and smooth ride, even in difficult conditions. When combined with the C 400 GT’s advanced stability control systems, these features help ensure that the scooter remains well-planted, even in challenging weather or road conditions.
Storage and Practicality
BMW understands that practicality is an essential aspect of urban mobility, and the C 400 GT doesn’t fall short in this area. The scooter features a large under-seat storage compartment, capable of holding a full-face helmet and other essentials such as gloves, jackets, or even groceries. The scooter’s storage space is a significant advantage over smaller scooters, allowing riders to carry more with them.
Additionally, the scooter is equipped with a spacious glove compartment located near the handlebars, providing easy access to smaller items such as phones, wallets, or documents. This thoughtful design ensures that the rider has ample space to carry essential belongings on every ride.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact
With rising fuel prices and environmental concerns becoming more prominent, the fuel efficiency of the BMW C 400 GT stands out as one of its most impressive attributes. The scooter offers excellent fuel economy, allowing riders to cover long distances on a single tank of gas. Its efficient engine is designed to minimize fuel consumption while still delivering excellent performance.
Moreover, the C 400 GT meets the Euro 5 emissions standard, reducing harmful emissions and helping reduce its environmental footprint. This makes the scooter a more sustainable choice for riders who want to make a smaller impact on the planet without compromising on performance or luxury.
Riding Experience
The riding experience offered by the BMW C 400 GT is nothing short of exceptional. The combination of smooth acceleration, responsive handling, and ample power makes it a joy to ride. Whether you’re weaving through dense city traffic or cruising along a scenic highway, the C 400 GT offers a stable and exhilarating ride.
One of the defining characteristics of the C 400 GT is its comfort, particularly on longer rides. The seat is well-cushioned and ergonomic, allowing the rider to remain comfortable even after hours of riding. The large, well-positioned footrests also contribute to comfort, allowing riders to adjust their posture as needed.
BMW C 400 GT Specifications and Features
Engine and Performance
- Engine Type: Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled
- Displacement: 350cc
- Max Power: 34 hp @ 7,500 rpm
- Max Torque: 35 Nm @ 5,750 rpm
- Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
- Cooling: Liquid cooling
- Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Top Speed: Approximately 139 km/h (86 mph)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15 liters (3.96 US gallons)
- Fuel Efficiency: Approx. 3.5 liters/100 km (67.2 mpg)
Chassis and Suspension
- Frame Type: Steel frame
- Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, 40mm
- Rear Suspension: Double-sided swingarm with shock absorber
- Front Wheel Size: 15 inches
- Rear Wheel Size: 14 inches
- Brakes:
- Front: Dual 270mm disc brakes
- Rear: Single 265mm disc brake
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Dimensions
- Length: 2,195 mm (86.4 inches)
- Width: 885 mm (34.8 inches)
- Height: 1,440 mm (56.7 inches)
- Wheelbase: 1,540 mm (60.6 inches)
- Seat Height: 775 mm (30.5 inches)
- Dry Weight: 204 kg (450 lbs)
- Max Load Capacity: 180 kg (397 lbs)
Technology and Features
- Display: Full-color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity
- Connectivity: BMW Motorrad Connected App integration
- Keyless Ride: Allows for keyless starting and unlocking
- Rider Assistance:
- Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
- Hill Start Control (HSC)
- Lighting: Full LED lighting with DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
- Storage:
- Large under-seat compartment (for full-face helmet)
- Glove compartment with USB charging port
Comfort and Ergonomics
- Seat: Comfort-oriented, well-padded for long-distance riding
- Footrests: Adjustable for improved rider comfort
- Windshield: Adjustable for optimal wind protection
- Passenger Seat: Comfortable with easy access
Safety Features
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Ensures safe braking performance in various conditions
- Automatic Stability Control (ASC): Helps prevent rear wheel slip during acceleration
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL): Increased visibility for enhanced safety
Pricing and Availability
Availability: Available in most global markets including Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
Price Range (approx): $7,000 – $8,000 USD (varies by market)
Conclusion
The BMW C 400 GT is a luxury scooter designed to meet the needs of modern urban commuters while also offering the capability and performance for longer, more scenic journeys. With its refined design, advanced technology, and powerful engine, the C 400 GT sets a new standard in the maxi-scooter market. Whether you are looking for a practical city commuter or a comfortable touring machine, the C 400 GT offers the perfect balance of both worlds. It exemplifies BMW’s commitment to creating high-quality, performance-driven motorcycles that provide an exceptional riding experience.
For those who demand more from their scooters, the BMW C 400 GT is the perfect choice. With its impressive combination of power, comfort, technology, and safety features, it’s a ride that excels on every front.